Peter Cook is a storyteller based out of Chicago, Illinois. His storytelling abilities are particularly amazing for the fact that he happens to be deaf. When he lost his hearing at the young age of three, Cook began to communicate the only way he knew how, through performance, facial expressions and pantomime. Soon he began writing poetry, and discovered a deep love of literature.

His entire life changed at the age of nineteen, when he discovered ASL, American Sign Language. This new found ability to communicate caused him to explode creatively. When he was enrolled in college, he was lucky enough to take a poetry workshop with the infamous Allen Ginsberg, who inspired Cook’s personal artistic style. He soon began to experiment with visual imagery, rhythm and rhyme as he continued to share his creative expressions. He found that he was able to use sign language as a valuable tool, but also move beyond the limitations of such an exclusive form of communication.

Cook created a forum for deaf storytellers, poets, playwrights and other writers to express themselves, called Flying Words Project. During this time, Cook grew again as a master storyteller, incorporating dance, mime, storytelling, movement and acting with a more direct purpose in his performances. He is able to transcend his own limitations to connect with both deaf and hearing audiences alike.

His performances are unusual, but thoroughly enjoyable. Unlike many other tellers, he utilizes a voice interpreter, who states the plot in its barest form. His stories are colored by his expression, conveying character descriptions, feelings and actions on his own. Through his storytelling he proves that speaking the same language is not necessary to understanding and sharing stories.

His performances have been described as “louder than words.” LA Weekly described his talent at “the most elastic facial maneuvers this side of Robin Williams!” Cook has appeared on PBS’s “United States of Poetry” and even produced his own videos: “From a Gator Ride to the Dentist Office” and “United State of ASL Poetry and other tales.”

Peter Cook performs for Storytelling Arts of Indiana twice this Saturday, March 13. At 2:00 pm he presents “The Wacky Faces of Peter Cook,” a family friendly show that is great for introducing Indianapolis kids to yet another form of expression. At 7:30 pm, Cook presents a more grown up performance with “A Feast for Your Eyes” (for adults only). Tickets to the first show are $5.00 for Indianapolis kids, age five to twelve, and $10.00 for adults. Indianapolis people can purchase advance tickets to the evening show for $15.00 or at the door for $18.00.